Latvia invests in electromagnetic protection and cybersecurity
With the goal to equip its armed forces with emerging and disruptive technologies, the Latvian MoD announced on 16 December that it will invest around €1.3 million ($1.4 million) in three innovative projects.
The efforts are intended to enhance electromagnetic protection and cybersecurity and to develop a ballistic protective vest and a resistant composite to protect UAVs.
A total of €465,000 ($526,000) has been allocated to the improvement of electromagnetic protection and cybersecurity in field conditions.
The project will be developed in cooperation with the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science and the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics of the University of Latvia. It will use innovative shielding, monitoring and data destruction technologies.
The prototype of a ballistic protective vest will feature a pressure-sensitive layer with graphene and silicon aerogel for accurate reception of impact. This effort has been awarded funding of €449,000 ($508,000).
The development of a light and high-temperature resistant composite to protect UAVs from direct energy weapons has been received €369,000 ($383,000).
These proposals were selected under Latvia's Defence Innovation Research programme. The three winning projects will be implemented by December 2023.
More from Defence Notes
-
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.